TOP STORY: Fred in line for Man City move

There has been speculation that Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Fred is a leading target for Pep Guardiola’s side, and the Manchester Evening News now reports that City are prepared to pay up to £45 million for the Brazilian.

It’s believed Shakhtar are holding out for a higher fee, however, with Guardiola determined to recruit the player he has earmarked as Fernandinho’s long-term replacement.

At 24, Fred is eight years younger than Fernandinho, who also enjoyed a spell at Shakhtar before moving to Manchester in 2013.

Man United battle Chelsea for Arthur

Manchester United also are in the market for a Brazilian midfielder with a 1920s English name, as they continue to monitor Arthur’s situation at Gremio, according to the Daily Mail.

The 21-year-old had been an option for Barcelona after helping Gremio to Copa Libertadores glory in 2017, even posing in the club’s iconic shirt after meeting sporting director Robert Fernandez.

It seems the Premier League is now a more likely destination, though, with Arthur aiming to tie up his future and secure a place in Brazil’s World Cup squad.

The youngster is valued at around £35m, with United and Chelsea both tracking his development with a view to a move at the start of the summer.

De Gea offered bumper new deal

David De Gea will be offered a huge pay rise by Manchester United as they seek to fend off renewed interest from Real Madrid, claims The Sun.

De Gea was close to moving to the Santiago Bernabeu in 2015 before a dodgy fax machine scuppered the transfer, but Real remain keen to sign the goalkeeper as they look to replace Keylor Navas.

United hope to put a stop to speculation by tying De Gea to a new £300,000-a-week contract, which would make him the joint highest-paid player at Old Trafford, alongside Paul Pogba.

With the Spaniard’s current deal expiring in 2019, United aim to extend his stay for another five years.

Liverpool struggling to bring in Keita

The Reds had hoped to bring the midfielder’s arrival forward to January, with Leipzig believed to be open to the idea if an extra £13 million were put on the table.

But despite negotiations taking place over the past week, it now has been reported there has been “no progression at all,” with Keita set to stay in Germany until the summer.

Tap-ins

– Robin van Persie is close to securing a return to Feyenoord, according to The Sun The former Manchester United and Arsenal forward will undergo a medical this weekend as he prepares to leave Fenerbahce.

– Real Madrid were ready to pay Lionel Messi’s €250m buyout clause in 2013 and defend the Argentine in his tax fraud case against the Spanish government. Mundo Deportivo quotes German outlet Der Spiegel as revealing Real’s mega bid for Messi before they eventually signed Gareth Bale.

– Tottenham have dropped their interest in Malcom, giving Arsenal a free run at the Brazilian, claims the Daily Mail. The Bordeaux forward has been in fine form this season and could cost as much as £45m.